Everything You Need to Know About This Week in Food

Want to seem like you know what you’re talking about while discussing current events at the dinner table this week? Read through our essential guide to the week’s earth-shattering food news. Find out which celebrity chef stocked up on Crocs (take a guess), what happened to a Sacramento church’s Thanksgiving meal, and who showed some blood on live TV.

Mario Batali buys 200 pairs of orange Crocs

What happened: In an interview with Details, Mario Batali revealed that his signature orange Crocs are going to be discontinued. Batali’s uniform of a ponytail and shorts wouldn’t be complete without his spongy footwear, so the chef ordered 200 pairs as backup. Although the bright orange Crocs will be a thing of the past, the company is still planning on carrying Batali’s Bistro Mario Batali Vent Clogs.
Who cares: Orange Croc lovers, Mario Batali fans, the Crocs public relations department
Further reading: Read the Details interview with Mario Batali here, where he breaks the shocking news.

Famed Chicago chef Jean Banchet passes away at 72

What happened: More sad news for Chicago’s restaurant scene: Chef Jean Banchet, of Le Francais in Chicago, passed away at age 72 from pancreatic cancer this week. Banchet's wife, Doris, told the Chicago Tribube, "It was three weeks ago today that we got the news. It went so fast it was unbelievable. February would have been our 50th anniversary." The much-awarded restaurant, which Banchet opened in 1973, introduced fine dining to a meat-and-potatoes city and set the bar for Chicago restaurants to follow. Much like chef Charlie Trotter who passed away in early November from a stroke, Banchet had been an inspiration for aspiring chefs in Chicago and beyond.
Who cares: Chicago residents, anyone who had a chance to eat at Le Francais
Further reading: Read the full report in the Chicago Tribunehere.

Charlie Trotter cause of death revealed

What happened: By now, the entire food community has heard of Chicago chef Charlie Trotter’s unexpected passing earlier this month. After weeks of uncertainty, Cook County Medical Examiner Stephen Cina announced that Trotter died from a stroke, and that there was no sign of drugs or alcohol in his body.
Who cares: The entire food community and Chicago residents
Further reading: Check out the full report from the Chicago Tribune here.

New Jersey family slams waitress for anti-gay hoax

What happened:The couple who reportedly stiffed a gay server and left an note saying, “I’m sorry I can’t tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle & the way you live your life,” may have all been a hoax. The accused family has come forward with proof against waitress Dayna Morales’ claim with a copy of their receipt from the restaurant that clearly states an $18 tip was left, along with a copy of their Visa bill. Morales has been collecting tips from anonymous donors all over the world, which she says she’s been donating to the Wounded Warrior Project. Whether or not the tips have actually been donated is still up for discussion.
Who cares: People who have been sending tips to Dayna Morales
Further reading: Read the full report from the accused family here.

Thieves steal entire Thanksgiving pantry from Sacramento church

What happened: A group of heartless hooligans broke into the Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Sacramento, stealing all of the food donations meant to be used for Thanksgiving day. Since word broke of this cold blooded crew, the local community banded together offering even more donations to ensure the less fortunate would get a full Thanksgiving dinner. Also donated was a padlock for the freezer where the butterballs are kept.
Who cares: People with a conscious
Further reading: Read more about how the church is recovering here.

Giada De Laurentiis slices more than turkey on live TV

What happened: During Food Network’s live taping of their Thanksgiving special, chef Giada De Laurentiis sliced her finger while attempting to cut a turkey roll. The boisterous celebrity chef took to Instagram to show her fans a before and after photo of the bloody slice, captioning it, “An adjustment to my normal mani! #backtonormalin2wks #thanksgivinglive." Oh, the perils of live television.
Who cares: People watching Food Network’s Thanksgiving special, Giada's manicurist, people who appreciate over-enunciation
Further reading: Check out a photo of the gruesome incident here.

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